Matador GlobeRider45 vs Tortuga Travel Backpack

Published May 8, 2023

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Ben Beck
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Ben Beck is the director of marketing at Tortuga Backpacks. He is a recovering full-time RVer who traveled all around...

Edited by:

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Jeremy Michael Cohen
Headshot of Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

Tortuga_VS_Matador

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Are you a frequent traveler searching for the perfect backpack to meet all your travel needs? Whether you’re planning a week-long trip away in magical Iceland or you’re a beach-lover heading to the Caribbean, having the appropriate gear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

The right backpack is vital for any traveler as it can make or break your travel experience. By having a comfortable carry on, you can be prepared for any travel situation.

Two of the most popular backpacks in this segment that you can consider are the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L and GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack.

Let’s dive into the details and compare these two backpacks to help you choose the best.

The Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack vs Tortuga Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel BackpackMatador GlobeRider45
Volume40L45L
Packing SpaceMax international carry on sizeExtra 5L exceeds many international airlines’ limits
ComfortHeight-adjustable suspension systemFixed suspension system limiting fit
Weather ProtectionWaterproof sailcloth material and water-resistant zippers. No extra rain cover requiredNylon material’s waterproof coating will wear off overtime
Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack
4.7

Pack everything you need without checking a bag.

Pros:
  • Carry-on-sized
  • Easy to pack
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Built to last
Shop at Tortuga
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Carry On Capacity

When you’re choosing a travel backpack, it’s important to consider its capacity (measured in liters) to ensure it can accommodate all your belongings. 

A bag with enough room allows you to pack everything you need without carrying additional luggage. This can save you both money and trouble on your journey, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period or have long layovers

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L offers ample space, making it an excellent option for longer trips or people who pack more items. The backpack is designed to meet international carry on size limits, which means you can easily take it with you on flights without having to check it.

Pro Tip: Going above 40L capacity can lead to paying extra fees or checking your bag. Use our guide to check the carry on requirements for your specific airline.

carry on capacity

Adjusts to Your Comfort

Finding a backpack that fits your body is crucial to ensure maximum comfort during long hours of travel. A height-adjustable backpack will match the length of your torso to distribute the weight and reduce the discomfort of carrying a bag while traveling .

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L has a height-adjustable suspension system that lets you adjust the bag’s fit to your body. It comes with:

  • A secure sternum strap
  • Adjustable shoulder straps to find the perfect fit
  • A hip belt that removes up to 80% of the weight from your shoulders

Do you want to be sure about your torso fit through a first-hand approach? Give Tortuga’s Home Try-On Program a try. You can test the bag and find your perfect fit. If you’re not happy with it, you can return the bag within 30 days and claim a full refund.

Pro Tip: Get a travel backpack with a padded hip belt. A hip belt takes 80% of the backpack’s weight off your shoulders.

Weather Protection

When you’re on the road, you never know what weather conditions you’ll face. The last thing you want is your belongings to get damaged from heavy rain or snow. A good water resistant backpack can keep your belongings safe and dry.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L features SHELL200 fabric, which is weather-proof, durable, and made from lightweight material. 

The backpack is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and protect your belongings from moisture, dust, and debris, even featuring water-resistant zippers. 

With the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, you can rest assured that your belongings will remain safe and dry, regardless of the weather conditions you face during your travels.

The Verdict

After considering the features and benefits of both bags, it’s clear that the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is the right choice for travelers who prioritize comfort, convenience, and durability. 

The GlobeRider45 Travel Pack has a fixed torso length that reduces your chances of a supportive fit. While it meets U.S. carry on limits, its capacity exceeds the limits set by many international airlines. If you’re planning on visiting areas with a lot of precipitation, the outer nylon material won’t give you the waterproof protection you need either. 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack, however, has:

  • A 40L capacity that lets you carry everything you need. 
  • No weight restrictions or cause for concern regarding checking in your bag.
  • An adjustable height feature for the best fit.
  • Weather protection for more adventurous travelers. 

If you’re in the market for a durable and versatile backpack designed to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible, go with the Tortuga Backpack 40L.

Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack
4.7

Pack everything you need without checking a bag.

Pros:
  • Carry-on-sized
  • Easy to pack
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Built to last
Shop at Tortuga
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Benefits of Buying Tortuga

Tortuga also gives you these additional benefits with the purchase of a backpack:

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Ben Beck

Ben Beck is the director of marketing at Tortuga Backpacks. He is a recovering full-time RVer who traveled all around the USA and now lives in Texas.   He also enjoys exploring National Parks, eating tacos, and traveling with the family.

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